It’s a highly-anticipated Boxing Day clash at Meadowbank, with just one point separating the sides heading into the contest. It’s a congested top end of the table in the National League South as just four points separate the top eight with most teams reaching the halfway stage in terms of matches played on Boxing Day.
The Ground
Originally the home of Dorking FC, who after 137 years folded in 2017, the area’s newcomers Dorking Wanderers were able to continue flying the football flag for the town and they moved to Meadowbank in 2018 after previously playing at the Westhumble Playing Fields.
The ground is located in a picturesque setting with the tall spire of St Martin’s Church overlooking the ground from one side. While looking out over the other side spectators can enjoy views of the Surrey Hills. On one side is the Main Stand. Containing 250 seats located in six rows, this covered all-seated stand is raised slightly above pitch level. To one side of the stand is a larger club building, which amongst other things contains the social club on the first floor. Whilst on the other side of the Main Stand is a small covered standing enclosure.
Opposite on the North Side of the pitch as well at the West End the ground is open to the elements and doesn’t have spectator facilities as such, apart from some small flat standing areas, running behind the pitch perimeter fence. The team dugouts are located on this site, leading to a procession of players and club staff at half and full time as the dressing rooms are located on the other side of the ground. Behind these dugouts is a small electronic scoreboard.
The East End was largely open but during the Summer of 2020, two new stands were erected at that end. These include a 272-seat Family Stand, which is covered and a 670-capacity open terrace, which the Club has christened ‘The Bank’. Behind this end is a wooden-clad building that contains a cafe and children’s indoor play area. The teams come out on to the pitch from the dressing rooms located near the South-East corner of the stadium.
The ground has an artificial 3G pitch, as well as eight tall thin floodlights, four of which are located down each side.
Tickets
Supporters are advised to purchase tickets online, in advance of the Boxing Day game with a sell-out crowd expected at Meadowbank. Tickets can be purchased at the link below at the following prices:
- Adult – £18.00
- Concession – £16.00
- Under 18 – £9.00
- Under 8 – £5.00
Travel & Parking
No trains are operating between Worthing and Dorking on Boxing Day.
By Road: Follow the A24 towards Dorking. At the Deepdene roundabout, take the first exit onto the A25 (Signposted Dorking Town Centre).
After passing a BP Garage on your left continue straight along the High Street. On reaching the White Horse Hotel on the left, turn right into Mill Lane (Signposted St Martin’s Walk Parking/Football Ground). At the fork in the road bear left for the St Martin’s Walk Car Park (Pay and Display), or bear right down the narrow lane to the ground entrance, which is at the bottom on the left. However, there is no parking available to visiting supporters at the ground.
There are several other car parks within walking distance – see Dorking’s handy parking guide.
Ground Facilities & Pubs
With segregation in operation on Boxing Day, Worthing supporters will be housed in the East end of the ground, which comprises a small covered terrace and areas of open flat standing. Food on offer is the usual football fayre of burgers, hot dogs and chips.
Pubs near Meadbowank for away fans:
- The Bull’s Head (11 South St, Dorking RH4 2DY)
- The White Horse (High St, Dorking RH4 1BE)
- The Watermill (Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1NN)
More Information
For more information head to Dorking Wanderers’ club website – https://dwfc.co.uk/matchday/visiting-supporters/
Or, the guide on Football Ground Guide – https://footballgroundguide.com/leagues/conference/conference-south/dorking-wanderers-meadowbank.html
Enjoy your visit!
